Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Gandee

Timothy A. Gandee has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Anti-rattle tongue plate and method of forming same
    Patent number: 8037581
    Abstract: An anti-rattle tongue plate is provided that includes two different materials for being operably connected to the body of the tongue plate. One of the materials is softer than the other to minimize noise when the tongue plate engages against interior components of the vehicle such as during rough ride conditions. One of the materials is made into a distinct component for being operably connected to the tongue plate body. In this manner, the tongue plate herein eliminates at least one of the insert molds needed for prior over molded latch plates, thus providing manufacturing and cost efficiencies thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Gray, Timothy A. Gandee
  • Anti-Rattle Tongue Plate and Method of Forming Same
    Publication number: 20090179412
    Abstract: An anti-rattle tongue plate is provided that includes two different materials for being operably connected to the body of the tongue plate. One of the materials is softer than the other to minimize noise when the tongue plate engages against interior components of the vehicle such as during rough ride conditions. One of the materials is made into a distinct component for being operably connected to the tongue plate body. In this manner, the tongue plate herein eliminates at least one of the insert molds needed for prior over molded latch plates, thus providing manufacturing and cost efficiencies thereover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Mark F. Gray, Timothy A. Gandee
  • Pretensioner testing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7159478
    Abstract: A test system is provided for simulating pre-tensioner systems that use pyrotechnic gas generators. In a preferred form, the test system includes a pneumatic cylinder energized by pressurized air from an accumulator and passing through a fast acting ball valve. A substantially linear relationship is established between accumulator pressure and the time rate of change of acceleration of a piston in the pneumatic cylinder. Use of the test system allows improved evaluation of seat belt systems employing pre-tensioners with pyrotechnic gas generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Seat Belts Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schubert, Timothy A. Gandee, David G. Ransom
  • Pretensioner testing apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20050229726
    Abstract: A test system is provided for simulating pre-tensioner systems that use pyrotechnic gas generators. In a preferred form, the test system includes a pneumatic cylinder energized by pressurized air from an accumulator and passing through a fast acting ball valve. A substantially linear relationship is established between accumulator pressure and the time rate of change of acceleration of a piston in the pneumatic cylinder. Use of the test system allows improved evaluation of seat belt systems employing pre-tensioners with pyrotechnic gas generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Schubert, Timothy Gandee, David Ransom